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Exhibitions

Explore enormous insect sculptures created from fallen or found wood, cut saplings and branches, tree bark and other natural materials. Ten installations include an 18-foot tall praying mantis, a spider’s web that’s four yards wide, and a butterfly with a wingspan broader than average human height. Related family activities are scheduled every weekend.Sponsored by: The Columbus Foundation, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Ohio Arts Council

Experience the emergence of hundreds of colorful, exotic butterflies and watch them take flight in the Pacific Island Water Garden, a tropical haven filled with bright nectar blooms. Newly emerged butterflies are released during educational presentations every day at 1 and 3pm. Related family activities are scheduled throughout the season.

New England based naturalist and artist Samuel Jaffe captures the art of survival of native caterpillars, pupae and moths through high detail photography. Displayed in the Conservatory’s Cardinal Health Gallery, each piece calls attention to the survival techniques and defensive adaptations of these remarkable and beautiful creatures.

The Conservatory’s bonsai collection is showcased among a serene display of tropical plantings in the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. Enjoy tropical and hardy bonsai and explore the history and technique of these horticultural works of art.

This botanical take on the Halloween season features imaginative, immersive horticulture displays, and pumpkin carvings like you have never seen before. Nationally exhibited artists from Villafane Studios carve humorous, weird and wild characters for display in the Cardinal Health Gallery.

Feel the spirit of the season surrounded by hundreds of poinsettias and seasonal foliage. Enjoy delightful entries in the annual gingerbread competition, a Paul Busse model garden railway and an array of family activities. Select evenings feature live entertainment and festive lighting throughout the Conservatory.

In the Cardinal Health Gallery
Contemporary ceramic works of art inspired by the natural world are displayed in De La Naturaleza, a juried exhibit presented in partnership with the Central Ohio Clay Arts association. The Conservatory is seeking artists to submit their work. Learn more and apply here.

Savage Gardens: The Real and Imaginary World of Carnivorous Plants is a rentable exhibition that was developed and designed by Conservatory staff. A multi-layered, multi-media exhibition, Savage Gardens tells the story of carnivorous plants and their astounding ability to adapt to inhospitable habitats.

The Conservatory has worked with the artists to ensure the portability of the large sculptures and other components. Learn more about detailed specifications and images of the components, as well as some of the media coverage that Savage Gardens received while on view at the Conservatory.

Savage Gardens was developed and created by Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Tork, Inc. The work displayed is protected by copyright and any copying is strictly prohibited.

About Tork, Inc.
Tork is a team of experienced and versatile trained artists headed by owners Mark Lagergren and Tony Ball. Tork has been creating unique sculptural installations and functional works for commercial and individual clients for more than 10 years. Adept at working on both large-scale public installations and small detailed objects, we collaborate with architects, designers, and contractors to meet site specific goals. Our sculpture has been placed in a variety of environments including public parks, playgrounds, gardens, hospitals, museums, corporate interiors and exteriors, and restaurants. We specialize in metal and resin design, fabrication, sculpting, and casting in unique combinations of materials. Learn More